A. Write-in votes shall be tallied only if the total number of write-in votes for an office exceeds the smallest number of votes cast for a candidate for that office whose name is printed on the ballot.

B. Votes for a write-in candidate shall not be counted unless that candidate has filed a nominating petition with the clerk in accordance with PMC 18.15.020.

C. In order to vote for a write-in candidate, the voter must write in the candidate’s name in the space provided and, in addition, fill in the oval opposite the candidate’s name in accordance with PMC 18.35.012(C)(1).

D. Writing in the name of a candidate whose name is printed on the ballot does not invalidate a write-in vote unless the canvass board determines, on the basis of other evidence, that the ballot was so marked for the purpose of identifying the ballot.

E. A vote for a write-in candidate shall be counted if the oval is filled in for that candidate and if the name of the candidate, as it appears on the write-in nominating petition, or the last name of the candidate is written in the space provided.

F. In counting votes for a write-in candidate, the canvass board shall disregard any abbreviation, misspelling, or other minor variation in the form of the name of a candidate if the intention of the voter can be ascertained.

G. Affixing stickers on a ballot in an election to vote for a write-in candidate is prohibited and that section of the ballot shall not be counted. (Ord. 12-009 § 14, 2012; Ord. 07-011 § 5, 2007; Ord. 620 § 10, 2004; Ord. 546 § 34, 1999; Ord. 534 § 10, 1998; Ord. 515 § 3, 1997)